Wind and Dust Close Major Palm Springs Roads; DUI Crash Knocks Out Power in Indio

Drivers across the Coachella Valley are facing difficult conditions this morning, with road closures in Palm Springs and a serious crash in Indio impacting travel.

In Palm Springs, both North Gene Autry Trail and North Indian Canyon Drive are shut down at the wash due to low visibility caused by blowing dust and strong winds. Gene Autry has been closed between Salvia Road and Via Escuela since yesterday morning, while Indian Canyon Drive between Sunrise Parkway and Garnet Avenue has been opening and closing intermittently since Wednesday.

Drivers are being advised to use alternate routes, including East Vista Chino, Dinah Shore Drive, Ramon Road, and Highway 111.

Meanwhile in Indio, a suspected drunk driver is recovering after crashing into a utility pole early this morning. Police say the crash happened just before 5:30 a.m. on Avenue 42 when a 57-year-old man veered off the road and struck the pole.

The crash caused a power outage in the area, with some service restored but others still without electricity as of this morning. The driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI and taken to Desert Regional Medical Center, where he is listed in stable condition.

Avenue 42 remains closed eastbound between Golf Center Parkway and surrounding areas as crews work to repair the damage, and drivers should expect delays.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.